Are Kirkland Eggs Cage-Free? (Antibiotic-Free, Eggs Cost )

Do you know if Kirkland eggs are cage-free? this is one of the questions our readers ask a lot. Well, we´ve got you covered.

Costco is taking a stand to sell products that are “Certified Humane” so customers know they’re purchasing items that are sourced in a morally responsible manner. Costco sells cage-free eggs, including the Kirkland Signature brand.

But are all Kirkland eggs cage-free? Kirkland eggs are not all cage-free. While all Costco stores sell cage-free eggs, they also sell eggs that aren’t. Costco is making a move toward selling only Kirkland cage-free eggs. This is already the case in a few countries like the United Kingdom, Iceland, France, and Spain. Costco is currently transitioning its U.S. stores to selling 100% cage-free eggs.

The Kirkland Signature brand is already known for its high-quality products at affordable prices. Now, it’s establishing itself as a morally responsible and ethical brand, as well.

Keep reading to find out more about Kirkland eggs and what’s being done to bring you more humanely sourced products.

What Are Cage-Free Eggs?

We see a lot of different words on packaging when we grocery shop. For instance, egg packages are sometimes labeled free-range, pasture-raised, organic, or cage-free. It’s difficult to know what each of these means.

For our purposes, we’re looking at cage-free eggs. The words cage-free mean just what they sound like; the hens can roam around outside of a cage. It means they can eat and drink whenever they want to. 

What it doesn’t mean is they can go outside. It also doesn’t mean they have a huge open space to roam around in.

The USDA regulates the term cage-free to mean there are at least 120 square inches of space for each chicken. 

While cage-free doesn’t mean the hens have free rein to roam through a huge field, it does mean they’re not sitting in a cage that’s only as big as a sheet of notebook paper.

Cage-free allows for movement and unlimited access to sustenance. 

Read also: Are Kirkland Eggs Pasteurized? (Real FACTS)

Can I Buy Kirkland Cage-Free Eggs at My Costco?

Costco had Kirkland cage-free eggs in 93.2% of its U.S. locations by the end of 2020. Its goal is to have cage-free eggs only in its stores within the next several years.

It’s a process the wholesale giant knows will take some time, but they are fully committed to accomplishing this mission.

Your local Costco likely already has some cage-free eggs or egg products you can buy. Most of its stores already sell 24-packs of Kirkland Signature Organic Large Brown Eggs.

Many offer Kirkland Signature Liquid Eggs that are cage-free, too. 

When Will I See More Kirkland Cage-Free Eggs for Sale?

Over the course of the next 5 to 10 years, you will notice more cage-free eggs and egg products on your local Costco’s shelves, which in turn means you’ll see less of any other kinds of eggs. 

Costco has built an egg-laying farm in China.

It can house up to 50,000 hens. Its opening in 2021 gives the Kirkland Signature brand of eggs a boost to the number of eggs they can acquire.

How Much Do Kirkland Cage-Free Eggs Cost?

A 2-dozen pack of Kirkland cage-free eggs costs under $8 on their website. The price per dozen works out to $3.65.

Are There Any Downsides to Purchasing Cage-Free Eggs?

The price of cage-free eggs is higher than that of traditionally sourced eggs. This is due to farmers having fewer hens in larger spaces. 

Another downside is regarding the hens. Generally, there is more violence between the hens when they’re allowed to roam around inside a facility. That can lead to injuries to chickens, and in some extreme cases, death.

Research shows the air quality in cage-free facilities is usually worse than that of caged. Poor air quality can result in toxins within eggs.

This isn’t highly concerning, as long as eggs are cooked.

About Kirkland Signature Cage-Free Eggs (Antibiotic-free)

Currently, you can purchase a 24-pack of large brown cage-free eggs at most Costco locations in the U.S.

These are Grade AA, USDA Organic, kosher, and come from hens that are never administered any hormones or antibiotics.

You must keep the eggs refrigerated. The eggs are perishable and must be used within the designated freshness period. An expiration date is stamped on the carton.

A satisfaction guarantee is included with any Kirkland Signature brand purchase. If you are not satisfied with the cage-free eggs, you’re entitled to a full refund of the purchase price. 

The Bottom Line

Some Kirkland eggs are cage-free. In the next few years, you’ll see more cage-free eggs and egg products on the shelves at your local Costco.

The Kirkland Signature brand is moving toward selling only cage-free eggs at Costco stores because they’re sourced more humanely.

The company wants to offer more of these types of products across its stores. 

Cage-free Kirkland eggs cost more than traditional eggs but only in dollars and cents. The cost to the chickens sitting in tiny cages laying eggs for local grocers is much more.

Cage-free eggs at Costco are better all around. 

References

https://www.costcobusinessdelivery.com/